Phillip Marvin Foreman of Dunwoody died at 86 on December 18th. Born in Cleveland OH on Nov. 28, 1934 to John and Margaret Foreman, Phil was raised in Buffalo NY, where he graduated from University of Buffalo. There he met his wife Roberta Lewis: mother of their four children, business partner, travelling companion, and best friend. His life wasn’t the same since her passing three years ago, but now they are reunited.
Dad was a proud veteran, serial entrepreneur, successful small business owner, keen investor, world traveler, and lover of life. He served in the Navy, doing tours in Korea and Viet Nam as Radioman 2nd Class. He then studied economics at UB, becoming an investment advisor with Bank of America. But Dad grew restless with corporate life and moved the family to Atlanta, where he founded Ansley Mall Bookstore, a favorite of booklovers and a Midtown institution for over 25 years.
Those years in the Navy led him to become a competitive scuba diver and lover of oceans, boats, and all things maritime. A sucker for a tiki bar or tavern overlooking any body of water, he could spend hours gazing at the waves, sipping rum-and-cokes, and reminiscing with family and friends.
Dad was a vagabond at heart, and with him doing the dreaming and Mom doing the planning, they became world travelers, visiting over 30 countries. More than anywhere else, they loved the desert life of Scottsdale AZ, their second home. And he and mom adored their chihuahuas, often bringing them along to NY and AZ.
But above all, Dad was a true “family man.” He and Mom were always so proud and supportive of us, and that extended to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad taught us to put faith and family first, don’t miss a kid’s event, enjoy life’s little moments, always tell the truth, be proud of our country, and never let a soldier pay for their meal.
Phil is preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret, brother John, and wife Roberta. He is survived by their four children, Peter, Richard, Chris, and Kathy (Brown); eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and two chihuahuas, Molly and Teddy.
A private visitation and graveside service with military honors will held on Monday. Memorial gifts can be made to Atlanta Community Food Bank.
